Minister Predicts Work On Mission To Start In 6 Weeks

FORT LAUDERDALE — The Rev. Lois Delevoe said Wednesday that restoration of the fire-gutted downtown church and shelter named after her late husband will start within six weeks.

The minister and community activist said she is hoping that within seven months the building at 600 W. Broward Blvd. once again will be a place of life and hope for the homeless and downcast.

``We`re ready to go,`` she said. ``It has taken us a while. We suffered many setbacks, but with each setback we have worked a little harder.``

The Samuel J. Delevoe Center, a mission and shelter for the homeless, was gutted by two arsonists` fires in October 1984. The building also housed the Upon This Rock I Will Build My Church ministry, a thrift shop and Delevoe`s real estate office.

The building was named after her husband, a minister and former police officer, who was murdered nine years ago Friday by a yardman who demanded payment of a $50 bill.

Since the fires, Delevoe has operated a volunteer-run, 60-bed mission in leased buildings at 904 NW Third Ave. Services are held there and in a hall at 600 NW Fifth Ave. on Thursdays and Sundays.

The shelter runs on private and some public donations, such as a $10,000 grant for operations from the city and a federal food grant, she said.

In September, Delevoe announced the start of a campaign to raise $150,000 to rebuild the center on Broward Boulevard. She said on Wednesday that it will be primarily a religious and educational facility and won`t be used as a shelter for the homeless except when the other buildings are full.

City officials already have noted one snag in the plans. A building permit that was issued in February 1985 expired in August and must be renewed before construction can start. She has asked for reissuance of the permit, but Chief Building Inspector Russ Adams said she must formally tell the city of her intent to restore the building and pay another fee. The first fee was $1,517.

``If she wants to start up, which she does, I`m sure she`ll give us a letter of intent,`` said Adams.

``That`s not a problem,`` said Delevoe. ``I have talked with them. I don`t feel that is a stumbling block.``